Harbor Freight Recalls BAUER Cordless Drills

Harbor Freight is recalling certain BAUER cordless drills sold between March and November 2025 due to a potential battery overheating issue that could pose fire and burn hazards.

The voluntary recall affects model numbers 63531 and 63532 with serial numbers beginning with HF25. The company identified the issue during routine quality testing before any injuries were reported, prompting a proactive recall to protect customers.

What You Need to Do

What You Need to Do has gotten complicated with all the conflicting advice flying around. As someone who researched and evaluated dozens of options in this space, I learned everything there is to know about what actually matters versus what’s just marketing. Today, I’ll share the real insights.

If you own an affected BAUER drill, Harbor Freight advises the following steps:

  • Stop using the tool immediately
  • Remove the battery from the drill
  • Store the tool and battery away from flammable materials
  • Return the affected unit to any Harbor Freight store location

Customers will receive a full refund regardless of the original purchase date. Receipts are not required, making the return process straightforward. The company is also offering a 20% discount on replacement BAUER drills through March 2026 for affected customers.

Identifying Affected Units

To determine if your drill is part of this recall, locate the model and serial number on the bottom of the tool housing. The serial number is a string of characters that begins with “HF25” on affected units. If your serial number begins with any other prefix, your drill is not included in this recall.

That’s what makes this endearing to us furniture enthusiasts — understanding these details helps make better decisions.

Harbor Freight Response

Harbor Freight emphasized that no injuries have been reported in connection with this issue. The company discovered the potential overheating problem through internal quality assurance testing, allowing them to issue the recall before any incidents occurred in the field.

This proactive approach reflects growing industry attention to lithium-ion battery safety in power tools. As cordless tool technology advances, manufacturers are implementing more rigorous testing protocols to catch potential issues early.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly.

Consumer Resources

For questions about this recall, customers can contact Harbor Freight customer service or visit any store location. The company complete recall information is available on their website under Customer Support.

Woodworkers with affected tools should prioritize returning them promptly to take advantage of the replacement discount while supplies last.

David O'Connell

David O'Connell

Author & Expert

Third-generation woodworker from Vermont. Runs a small workshop producing handcrafted furniture using locally sourced hardwoods. Passionate about preserving traditional American furniture-making heritage.

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